my first holiday pop-up market! | small business sales, losing money, mental blocks

Introduction

Hello everyone! I’m thrilled to finally kick off this post as I reflect on my experience at my very first two-day holiday pop-up market. For those who don’t know me, my name is Tasia, and I’m the owner of a wellness and lifestyle brand called Well Lived. We focus on mental health and wellness, providing journals and candles aimed at promoting self-care and mindfulness.

Preparation and Initial Nerves

Leading up to the event, I was filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was a significant investment for me—around $ 380—especially since I had never participated in a market this big. The anxiety was palpable, and although I always try to enter these situations with no expectations, it’s hard not to feel a bit apprehensive.

In the days before the market, chaos reigned. I had to scramble to make enough candles and gather necessary supplies. Unfortunately, I mismanaged inventory, leading to concerns that I wouldn't have enough products to sell. Despite feeling unprepared, I made it through the day with a mindset built on hope and optimism.

The Big Day Arrives

I arrived at the venue early to set up my booth and was immediately struck by the talent surrounding me. As I set up my booth, I couldn’t help but notice how impressive other vendors were. The event didn’t officially start until 11 AM, so I took the opportunity to gather my thoughts in my car before the rush.

When the event started, I made my first sale—a great moment amid my nerves! Throughout Saturday, sales flowed, and I felt encouraged. I had around 30 candles available and managed to sell around 10 or 11.

However, reflecting back, I realized I didn’t have enough of the specific products people wanted, especially my 4 oz candles, which were a hit. Despite enjoying a decent Saturday, I knew I had to prepare better for future markets.

Lessons Learned on Day Two

Sunday arrived, and it became clear that foot traffic was significantly lower. With a football game nearby and the nice weather, many people seemed less interested in browsing. I did not even make five sales that day.

Aside from my sales struggles, there were unexpected costs that weighed heavily on me. Between parking and getting ticketed for not renewing my parking, I felt the event slipping into a financial loss.

Reflecting on both days, while the experience was not what I had envisioned, I learned important lessons about preparation and the importance of inventory management. I realized that I need to feel more confident in my spending to guard against the anxiety of whether or not I will break even.

Reflection and Moving Forward

Overall, I think I'd rate my experience around a 6.8 out of 10. I certainly learned a lot but recognize the areas in which I can improve. Feedback from attendees was useful, particularly regarding the aesthetics of my products—some preferred my more expensive-looking labels, while others liked that my new labels pop out.

I look forward to leveraging the insights I gained from this event as I continue to grow my business. As I head into my next year of entrepreneurship, I’m excited about the new ideas I have and how I can better meet customer needs.

As I wrap this up, I encourage other small businesses to be prepared when attending pop-up markets. These might seem risky, but each experience is an opportunity for growth.

Thank you for following along on this journey, and I can’t wait to share more about my future endeavors!

Keywords

small business, pop-up market, sales, mental blocks, inventory, candles, preparation, financial struggles, feedback, marketing, wellness.

FAQ

1. What was your overall sales outcome at the market?
I broke even overall, with around 10 or 11 sales on Saturday but less than five on Sunday.

2. What have you learned from your first pop-up market?
I learned that preparation is vital, specifically in managing inventory and having enough of the right products.

3. How do you plan to improve future market experiences?
I plan to invest in more inventory and seek feedback from attendees to refine my product offerings.

4. Were there any unexpected costs during the market?
Yes, I faced unexpected parking costs and a ticket for not renewing my parking, which added to financial stress.

5. What are your hopes for the coming year in business?
I aim to build on the foundation I've laid down this year while focusing on product quality and customer experience.